The Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston will host the 2015 FloraKansas Spring Plant Sale April 23 to April 27, and the 3rd Annual Prairiestock Local Music Festival on April 25.
FloraKansas
Providing Kansas’ largest native plant sale, Dyck Arboretum seeks to introduce the public to many species of wildflowers and grasses that are native to the prairie, but rare in cultivation. The sale features not only full sun plants native to the prairie, but also shade tolerant native plants of the Eastern Kansas woodlands.  A large selection of adaptable perennials, more recently known as “nativars”, is also available.
“Native plants are an important component in any landscape because of the water they save and the pollinators they attract,” says Scott Vogt, Director and Horticulturist at Dyck Arboretum. “Any landscape, no matter how large or small, can have a positive impact. By planting a diversity of plants, your yard will attract a diversity of insects and other wildlife and provide habitat.”
Vogt will be available at the plant sale to assist with questions and plant selection, along with Education Coordinator and Prairie Restoration Specialist Brad Guhr and volunteer gardeners from the area.
The sale will be from 1 to 7 p.m. on April 23, with a special early sale for arboretum members, who receive a 10% discount on all plants, as well as many other benefits throughout the year. Memberships can be purchased on the day of the sale, in order to participate in the early sale.
The remainder of the plant sale is open to the general public during the following times: from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 24; from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 25; from noon to 4 p.m. on April 26; and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, April 27
Plant sale goers can prepare for the event by visiting www.dyckarboretum.org. The website includes a complete plant list available for download, as well as a plant library, alphabetized by scientific name, but searchable by common name, bloom time, soil type and light conditions. The proceeds of the plant sale help support the arboretum’s mission to promote, through education and stewardship, the conservation and use of plants native and adaptable to Kansas.
Prairiestock
From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 25, the plant sale will be accompanied by the 3rd Annual Prairiestock Local Music Festival on the arboretum grounds, featuring musical groups from the South Central Kansas region and representing a wide variety of musical genres. Performances will begin on the hour, beginning at 10 a.m. in the following order: Thor Bonner; Barry Jones; Jammin’ Biscuits; Delores and the Pickin’-Fretter; Emily Strom Trio; Book of Jebb; Knocknasheega; The DeVeils; and the Ne’erdowells.
Food vendors will also be available, including Lincoln Perk and B.S. Sandwich Press. Admission to the music festival will be a $5 wrist band for adults. Children ages 16 and under will be admitted for free.